September, Friday 20, 2024

Former President Donald Trump ordered to refrain from making public statements about New York fraud case by Judge's gag order


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The judge overseeing Donald Trump's civil fraud case has imposed a limited gag order after the former president made derogatory remarks about a court clerk. Mr. Trump criticized Judge Arthur Engoron's clerk in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. In response, the judge warned that there would be severe consequences for defying the order. Mr. Trump has repeatedly labeled the case a fraud and a scam, and has expressed his intention to testify in his own defense when the time is right. Recently, Mr. Trump posted a picture of the clerk, Allison Greenfield, alongside Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, referring to her as "Schumer's girlfriend" and demanding that the case against him be dismissed. Although the judge did not name anyone specifically, he referred to the incident on social media, condemning the defendant for making disparaging and false comments about a member of his staff. He emphasized that personal attacks on his court staff are unacceptable and will not be tolerated, warning of serious penalties for non-compliance. The judge stated that his statement should be considered a gag order, prohibiting any posts, emails, or public remarks about his staff members. Following the judge's order, Mr. Trump's post on Truth Social was removed. The civil case involves allegations that the former president, his two adult sons, and the Trump Organization significantly inflated the value of their properties by over $2 billion (£1.65 billion) to secure favorable loans. Attorney General Letitia James is seeking $250 million (£207 million) in damages and sanctions that could restrict the Trump family's business activities within the state of New York. As this is a civil case and not a criminal one, none of the defendants would face imprisonment if convicted. Additionally, it is important to note that the trial is a bench trial, meaning that Judge Engoron alone will determine the defendants' liability and any associated damages or penalties, rather than a jury.